Summary
- Chmerkovskiy will not participate in the October 20 episode.
- He apologized publicly and directly to judge Carrie Ann Inaba.
- Alan Bersten will dance with Jenna Dewan during Dedication Night.
The one-week removal
Val Chmerkovskiy will not participate in the October 20 episode of “Dancing With the Stars” after a social-media comment referencing the 2022 Oscars slap. BBC Studios, which produces the competition series, said the post did not align with the show’s values. Coverage from People and Entertainment Weekly described the action as a one-week suspension rather than a permanent exit from the season. [1] [2]
What prompted the response
The comment followed judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s criticism of a samba performed by Chmerkovskiy’s wife, professional dancer Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner Harry Shum Jr. Chmerkovskiy invoked the Will Smith-Chris Rock incident while defending Johnson. The comparison drew criticism because readers interpreted it as making light of violence toward a judge, regardless of the author’s stated intent. [1] [2]
His apology and the replacement
Chmerkovskiy said the post showed poor judgment, apologized publicly and said he also apologized directly to Inaba. He emphasized that he did not want the dispute to distract from his celebrity partner Jenna Dewan. Alan Bersten, who was eliminated earlier in the season with Giada De Laurentiis, will step in to dance with Dewan for the upcoming Dedication Night episode. [1] [3]
What happens next
Dewan is scheduled to perform a Viennese waltz to “Unchained Melody” in tribute to her mother. The limited duration of the disciplinary action means Chmerkovskiy can return after the episode, barring another announcement. Viewers should distinguish the production’s confirmed one-week decision from speculation about a firing or season-long removal, neither of which has been announced. [1] [3]
What to watch next
This report separates confirmed facts from interpretation and will remain tied to the dated sources listed below. Plans, schedules, legal positions, market prices and personal announcements can change after publication. Readers looking for the next development should rely on a new statement from the relevant organization, court, company or representative rather than treating social-media speculation as an official update. [1] [3]
Reporting sources
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